Crowd gathers at St. Augustine Beach City Hall for a special meeting of the
City Commission, which decided to name an interim chief after a majority of
the members of the police force objected to the rule of Chief Richard
Hedges.

St. Augustine Beach Police Chief Richard Hedges had the full attention of the City Commission’s Tuesday, even though he didn’t say a word.

The board placed Hedges on administrative leave with pay.

In addition, the commission voted to ask the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate a long list of violations of ethics, law and police procedures members of his department allege to have committed.

Lastly, the commission has asked St. Johns County Sheriff David Shoar to assign an interim chief from ranking members of his staff. Sheriff’s Department spokesman Chuck Mulligan said Shoar will name a district commander or regional chief to the post.

Hedges was not permitted to make comments or ask questions during the commission’s tightly controlled, 35-minute special meeting. None of the allegations were addressed.

Mayor Gary Snodgrass said the FDLE investigation would deal with the allegations.

Hedges’ St. Augustine attorney, Patrick Canan of Canan Law, said later that this is far from over.

“The chief is disappointed that this happened and is comfortable with having FDLE investigate,” Canan said. “His ultimate goal is to have his name cleared.”

Before the meeting, Hedges’ supporters waved signs outside the commission meeting room calling for the FDLE probe.Another sign said, “Say No To Unions.”

The Coastal Florida Police Benevolent Association, which represents a number of city officers, has been locked into a contract negotiation with the city for two years. Its spokesman, Michael Scudiero, attended this meeting.

Many of the complaining officers, some with families, attended also.

Also in attendance was former Assistant Chief Joni Mathis, fired by Hedges in 2009 for violating departmental personnel rules. Mathis has since filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination for that firing.

“I’m not behind this whole thing,” she said. “I did not write the document, but I support the officers behind it. These have been issues for a long time. I have told the commission about those issues, but they have not responded or taken any action. All the officers want is an unbiased investigation.”

Mayor Snodgrass said these officers had “potentially committed a violation of law” by releasing confidential police records without authorization.

But, he added, “That issue is being separately investigated.”

The city’s labor attorney, Wayne L. Helsby, of Allen, Norton & Blue of Winter Park, said, “My goal is to make sure that everyone has a chance to be heard as we go through due process. (But) it’s not something we want to wrestle with today.”Therefore he recommended that there not be any public statements or comments from anyone.

Commissioner Undine Pawlowski wanted to make sure the interim chief will not retaliate against any officers.“This report (from the nine officers) is a request for assistance,” she said. “The risks they have taken here are not insignificant. Their lives are on the line.”

She predicted the investigation should take two to three weeks.

Commissioner Andrea Samuels said the commission will be “specifically forbidden” to interfere with the department.“We’ll have to walk a very fine tightrope here,” she said.

Beach police Sgt. Gary Hartshorne said that he is being called the leader of the officers who wrote the report.

“I’m not the leader,” he said. “I’m the point man. This is a unified group that’s looking for the pursuit of ethical and honorable behavior.”

He said officers who were not on duty were at the meeting Tuesday.

Hedges drew strong support from many people who mentioned his honesty and grace.

Beach resident Connie Mista said she’s known Hedges since he worked in Ormond Beach.

“He has more integrity than anyone I’ve ever known,” she said.

That emotion was seconded by Steve Cupolo, who owns Premier Realty on the Beach, said this controversy is not about Hedges at all.

“It’s about the ongoing feud going on within the City Commission,” he said. “The chief is just the victim. This is a political game. It’s a shame. This is the Jerry Springer show that is our city commission.” He did not explain what the feud is or who is on what side.

Earlier story:

Crowd gathers at St. Augustine Beach City Hall for a special meeting of the City Commission, which decided to ask Sheriff David Shoar to name at interim chief.

Chief Richard Hedges will be on paid administrative leave while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigates the charges leveled against Hedges by a majority of the officers in his department.

Shoar has not yet named the interim chief.

Follow staugustine.com for updates and read Wednesday's St. Augustine Record for the complete story.

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temporary chief ??? or is snodgrass,, abdicating his responsibility ??? while david shoar is quite capable of appointing an interim chief,, i'm not certain it is his purview, to do so !!! if the interim chief has difficulties,, this could put a black mark on david, who is an elected official after all !!! the city council ,, could request a list of qualified persons,, then select one themselves !! this way if any questions arise,, it would be their doing,, not david's !!! he has his reputation to consider after all !!! the beach malfeasance fiasco,, should not reflect upon a distinguished police official !!! or they could request the governor to appoint someone ???>>>yathink

occupy marines. booked on what charges? Please explain. Do not let emotions take over your ability to deliver a rational statement. It is sad to see that in our country the presumption of inocence is totally ignored, yes, very sad.

I am not sure what all are addressing. This country was founded on innocent until PROVEN guilty. Though I do not know the situation here as I believe neither do the people who commented. I do believe protocol is until charges are founded .....they are still employed.

Allow the FDLE to do their job.

When Sheriff Shoar appoints an interim then respect him for his choice. I believe his decision will be based on his many years of experience, dedication, knowledge and proven record in law enforcement.